Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse holds first Public Hearings

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in England and Wales is to hold its first public hearings later today. The first hearing will examine the treatment of children from poor families and the care system who were sent to Australia between 1945 and 1974.

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse will hear that children were sent by religious orders and charities such as Barnardo’s and the Fairbridge Society. The aim was to give the children a better life but sadly many children went on to suffer physical and sexual abuse in schools in Australia specifically set up to receive these children.

The schools were typically run by religious orders and charities. It is believed that between 7000 and 10,000 children were sent to Australia after the Second World War.

Tom Symonds the BBC Home Affairs correspondent has commented, “The inquiry will be told the scale of the sexual abuse they suffered was much wider than previously thought.”

The children received apologies for the cruelty they endured in 2009 by the Australian Government and in 2010 by the British Government.

The hearings regarding Australia are taking place at the International Dispute Resolution Centre in London and are expected to last 10 days.

Jordans Solicitors successfully represent many victims of sexual and physical abuse suffered at schools and by religious organisations. If you would like to speak to a qualified member of our legal team please do not hesitate to contact us.